USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

U.S. GOVERNMENT APPROVES ADDITIONAL $825,000 FOR DE-MINING IN LEBANON

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Beirut, Lebanon

The U.S. Government announced it will provide $825,000 in new funds for de-mining programs in Lebanon.  This brings the total U.S. contribution for nonproliferation, antiterrorism, de-mining activities in Lebanon to approximately $4.7 million in FY 2008 and more than $16.0 million since 2006.  The United States contributes to the de-mining and ordnance removal carried out by the joint Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and United Nations Mine Action Coordination Center - South Lebanon (MACC-SL).   

The U.S. Government has expanded its humanitarian clearance program in Lebanon to reduce the dangers to civilians posed by landmines and other unexploded ordnance.   U.S. Government funding goes toward de-mining, victim assistance programs and a unique program to identify and remove unexploded underwater ordnance.  The U.S. contribution to MACC-SL has supported the clearance of more than 38 million square meters in southern Lebanon.

In addition, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the World Rehabilitation Fund (WRF), assists landmine and war survivors through the Azour Development Center Cooperative and the Landmine Victims Center in the Jezzine District.  The cooperative has helped more than 1,594 people since 2002.  USAID has contributed $6 million to the cooperative.